Blog Advertising Rates and Specifications for MG3Media Business Insights

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

"I'm reminded daily of how we limit our personal and professional growth, when we reside in a space of fear. I visualize my life and for others...how it would be if we each stepped into the full potential of our own greatness!"

What specific skill set should an aspiring entrepreneur have possession of, or be in the process of developing?

I very much consider myself to be an entrepreneur. In my personal viewpoint, it is important to have the ability to share your ideas and participate in brainstorming with others, seek the opinions of people you respect, keep an open mind. And, learn the art of selection by elimination.

How did you get started on the path to entrepreneurship?

I have always been a day-dreamer and I love story-telling, but my first conscious effort was when I put my imagination on paper through writing and painting. Photography is another way in which I begin to exercise the power of vision.

"One important aspect of entrepreneurship is visualization and
an ability to make what is seen or sometimes unseen, accessible."

"Glacier Reflection"

Photo courtesy of Atta Pilram

Can entrepreneurship be taught?

Yes it can be taught, but to learn it is a different story. Entrepreneurship is very simple – “imagining” things, “discussing” those thoughts, and then taking "action". This may be a cliché, but it is really true; to be an entrepreneur is a state of mind, if you can “imagine” and are “willing” to “communicate” about your “thoughts” then you are half way there.

Do you mentor men and women on entrepreneurship?

Yes, I am currently mentoring at UCSF’s business course “From Idea to IPO”. I help physicians, post docs and other individuals to invoke their creativity and show them a process so that they can create a sound “plan” for their business idea.

Is it essential for an entrepreneur to have an MBA or can an individual achieve a high level of success through a combination of other attributes?

I don’t believe having an MBA is necessary, but the process of getting a MBA is very helpful. For some people, an MBA is a ticket to a better job or position and that can be a door opener to gain other skills that otherwise would not be accessible.

Are the requirements for today's entrepreneurs different than 10 years ago?
I believe there are more reasons to be an entrepreneur now than 10 years ago. In the past the end point of entrepreneurship was mostly focused on the financial reward. Even though finance is still part of the equation, the social aspect of entrepreneurship is now the driving force. The issues are very different than a decade ago and they touch everyone not just regionally but globally.

Apart from a strong knowledge base about the business an entrepreneur is pursuing, what other general abilities should they be able to bring to the table?

The entrepreneur is the architect for new ideas with the world in mind. Today’s entrepreneurs should be able see the issues in a larger context and to offer solutions with larger implications in mind.

In addition to finding a suitable mentor, what other kinds of support are available to budding entrepreneurs?

Practically there is a social networking group for any idea. Entrepreneurs should attend and actively participate in these organizations. One will be surprised how quickly one can become immersed in seeing the big picture by just the act of participation.

What is the value of failure in the quest for success in the entrepreneurial experience?

Every failure IS a success; learn from these challenging times because no one can teach you the value you gain through your own experience.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Entrepreneurs inspire others and as such they need to have a more in depth view of issues. Go beyond the headline news. Stay attuned to the events going on around you and get involved.

____________________________

Thank you for taking the time to meet-up with MG3Media to share your thoughts on entrepreneurship with our new business community!

For our readers, if you'd like to see how Atta is using photography to enliven his creative abilities as an entrepreneur- please visit Imagekind, an online gallery hosting his current work: http://atta.imagekind.com

Have more questions for Atta or want to get more information on Atta's work in IPTV, eLearning or IPO Mentoring? Please contact him via Email: AttaPilram@yahoo.com